List,
I have a 1993 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 4 wheel drive manual 5 speed with low
range 4 wheel drive. It has 40K miles and gets better than rated gas
mileage, so I think it's in good condition. I would like to use it to
tow my Triumph/MGB on a trailer.
The Ford towing literature says that the max trailer weight is 2,360#
with a GCWR 6,000#.
The same truck with same engine, 4 wheel drive, same axle ratio, but
with automatic transmission has a maximum trailer weight of 3,820# with
a GCWR of 7,500#.
That's 1460# more max trailer weight and 1500# more GCWR for the
automatic transmission.
I had always knew that the automatic's were easier on the drive train
for starting from a stop with a trailer load, but I didn't realize there
was such a difference.
I'm not sure I understand the difference. I had assumed that the clutch
on a truck would hold the load (hold the engine) -- the engine would
simply slow down under a load -- going up a hill. Does the weight
difference mean that I will slip the clutch under load on the open road
with the manual?
The trailer weight rating of 2360# is about the weight of an LBC. I had
hoped I could build/buy a trailer at about 600# or so. Looks like I will
be over the weight limit by the weigh of the trailer.
Any thoughts? Are the factory ratings conservative? Can I get away with
600# or so over weight? I would be sure to have brakes on the trailer,
plus I can down shift on the hills.
Don Malling
|